Please select any question for a comprehensive answer. Results are displayed below.

	How do I select the right replacement tires for my motorcycle?
	Can I change my tires from bias ply to radial or vice versa?
	Can I put wider tires on my motorcycle?
	If I put higher speed rated tires on my motorcycle, will they upgrade performance?
	Why do motorcycle tires wear out so quickly compared to car tires?
	What purpose do directional arrows serve?
	I've heard many times that maintaining tire pressures is very important. How important is it?
	How can I keep my tires from cupping?
	How much run-in should I give a new tire?
	I have a tubed type tire. How often should I replace my tube?
	Can I have my motorcycle tires repaired?
	Can I use sidewall protectants or cleaners on my tires?

I've heard many times that maintaining tire pressures is very important. How important is it?

Maintaining your tire pressures is one, if not the most important maintenance task you perform. This is particularly so on a motorcycle. For a start, you must realize that the air pressure in a tire is what carries that load. Although the carcass and overall structure of the tire has a significant effect in the overall dynamic performance of the tire, you must have sufficient air pressure in the tire for it to function. When it comes to supporting load, air pressure is the basic ingredient. Once this is realized, you can easily see why air pressure is so important with respect to load carrying for large touring motorcycles. Most of these motorcycles are at or in excess of their rated load, so having enough air pressure is critical. Check your pressures daily when you are on a trip and remember that every 4 psi of inflation air lost is approximately equivalent to losing 60 or 70 pounds of load carrying capacity. That means that if your tire pressure is 36 psi instead of 40 psi, then you need to take 60 or 70 pounds of load off the motorcycle. Of course, you will never have more capacity than the maximum load stamped on the sidewall at its corresponding pressure. The overflexing that occurs from running a tire for an extended period of time in an underinflated condition can cause the tire to split in the sidewall. If this happens on the inside of the tire and is hidden from your sight, then it can spread and eventually result in a blister and blow out of the sidewall. This sudden deflation may cause loss of control with serious consequences. A particular hazard of an under-inflated tire is hitting, for example, a pothole. This may result in a sudden deflation or it can buckle the tire over the rim flange causing extensive damage to the tire and eventual failure. While tire pressure is certainly the main element of load carrying, it is also a critical factor in motorcycle handling and stability. This applies to all types of motorcycles, but is of significant importance on high performance models where loads are relatively low, but handling and stability are prime requirements. Overinflation can reduce the contact patch while underinflation generates uneven contact pressure and support. Both conditions will adversely affect handling and stability. Whatever type of motorcycle you have, you need to find out what the correct tire pressures are and maintain them on a regular basis.

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